Abstract

Background

Nearly 60% of black women are obese. Despite their increased risk of obesity and associated
chronic diseases, black women have been underrepresented in clinical trials of weight
loss interventions, particularly those conducted in the primary care setting. Further,
existing obesity treatments are less effective for this population. The promotion
of weight maintenance can be achieved at lower treatment intensity than can weight
loss and holds promise in reducing obesity-associated chronic disease risk. Weight
gain prevention may also be more consistent with the obesity-related sociocultural
perspectives of black women than are traditional weight loss approaches.

Participants are followed over 18 months, with study visits at baseline, 6-, 12- and
18-months. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, fasting lipids, fasting glucose, and
self-administered surveys are collected at each visit. Accelerometer data is collected
at baseline and 12-months.

At baseline, participants were an average of 35.4 years old with a mean body mass
index of 30.2 kg/m2. Participants were mostly employed and low-income. Almost half of the sample reported
a diagnosis of hypertension or prehypertension and 12% reported a diagnosis of diabetes
or prediabetes. Almost one-third of participants smoked and over 20% scored above
the clinical threshold for depression.

Discussion

The Shape Program utilizes an innovative intervention approach to lower the risk of
obesity and obesity-associated chronic disease among black women in the primary care
setting. The intervention was informed by behavior change theory and aims to prevent
weight gain using inexpensive mobile technologies and existing health center resources.
Baseline characteristics reflect a socioeconomically disadvantaged, high-risk population
sample in need of evidence-based treatment strategies.